VidaBox adds tablet control for its Media Center PCs, iPad is first in line

VidaBox adds tablet control for its Media Center PCs, iPad is first in line

Tablet control for HTPCs is nothing new to VidaBox, but with users quickly buying up tablets of their own it's switched focus from the proprietary vPad and $2,600 TouchClient to wider compatibility through web apps. This iPad control interface demonstrated at the Asian Pacific CEDIA Expo, lets users browse and control their Media Center PC's videos and music with cover art and related information right in the palm of their hands. Built on the company's vAutomation 2.0 platform the software can control other connected devices including lights and cable boxes, while integration with online sources like Rhapsody and Pandora is also in the works. The iPad version is scheduled to make it to dealers and integrators in Q3 and its web based roots should make Android or other platform support a snap, though you will need to own one of the company's systems to take advantage.

Gallery: VidaBox iPad remote control | 5 Photos

Melbourne, Australia - Asian Pacific CEDIA Expo - June 23rd - VidaBox LLC, an award-winning manufacturer of advanced media servers & control solutions, debuted their new iPad Media Center controls today in Booth 3A at the Asian Pacific CEDIA EXPO. VidaBox may be the very first company to offer such a solution for Windows-based Media Centers.

"We're all absolutely thrilled to be the first in showcasing what dealers have been asking for," claims Steven Cheung, President of VidaBox, LLC. "With the iPad®, users can now browse and launch movies & music by cover art, get rich metadata, and much more - quickly and easily - all from a single, inexpensive device. Beyond controlling media center, dealers and integrators can potentially tie in multiroom audio, or basic room control with lighting and more."

When programmed properly, the same VidaBox interface can be used to turn on a zone to power TVs, receivers, or even lights, while setting up the proper AV connections on the receiver. Cable, satellite, and other TV boxes can also be controlled via IR from the VidaBox iPad® interface. Plans are also in the works for audio integration with online music sources like Rhapsody, Pandora, Napster, Shoutcast, and other popular services.

"Unlike the current vAutomation 1.0 platform, dealers with this new vAutomation 2.0 platform will do minimal or almost no programming - but still get to enjoy these snazzy, user friendly interfaces," continues Cheung. "Everything is set up at the factory in advance, so users can quickly flick through dozens of archived music albums, DVDs, Blu-rays, launch these titles, and control multiple zones - all out of the box. With the iPad's ultra responsive touchscreen, it's never been faster or simpler."

iPad® controls for VidaBox will be available for qualified dealers and integrators in Q3 of this year. For more information on the VidaBox line of digital entertainment and control hardware solutions, please visit the company website at http://www.vidabox.com, call 516-730-7500, or see them in action at the Asian Pacific CEDIA Expo in Booth 3A.